Gurkhas' cause flags up deeper problems

Gurkhas' cause flags up deeper problems

By Press Office

April 30, 2009

Welcoming the call by MPs from all parties to ensure that all former Gurkha soldiers can have a right to settle in the UK, Simon Barrow, co-director of the religion and society think-tank Ekklesia, which has called for more support for the work of non-violent peacemakers in situations of conflict, commented:

"Governments often use soldiers for their own ends and then don’t face up to the consequences and true costs of their actions.

"Soldiers are often denied human rights by the system whose freedom they are supposed to be defending. Those working against war have a natural concern about those caught up in it, alongside families and friends.

"It is a government that has commissioned military action on an unprecedented scale in recent years which has been failing them.

"The Commons' rejection of the UK government's attempt to deny residency to former Gurkhas is also a small, welcome crack in an immigration policy which is unjust and inhuman in so many ways."

Although the views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Ekklesia, the article may reflect Ekklesia's values. If you use Ekklesia's news briefings please consider making a donation to sponsor Ekklesia's work here[1].